Victoria boosts the number of ECEC traineeships as demand grows

An additional 50 traineeships for early childhood educators have been announced as part of the Victorian Government’s Early Childhood Educator Jobs initiative. 

The announcement was made earlier this week at Samantha’s Child Care Centre and Kindergarten in Camberwell by Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford and Minister for Early Childhood Ingrid Stitt, brining the total investment in the program, which is delivered in partnership with Jobs Victoria and Chisholm TAFE, to $3.9 million. 

19 year old Gabrielle Morais is one of 70 people hired through the state-wide initiative which launched in January. She applied for the program in March and is now studying for a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. 

Special support is embedded in the program for people who have experienced challenges securing employment, including women aged over 45, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse Victorians, and young people. 

Funding has also been provided to support early childhood education and care (ECEC) services to fast-track recruitment, train new staff and attract potential new workers.

The announcement comes in the wake of last week’s ambitious $9 billion overhaul of early childhood education and care, known as the Best Start, Best Life Program, which aims to not only support young children to have the best possible start in life, but also to support more women to return to the workforce. 

Applications for the newly announced positions can be made here.